January 12, (THEWILL) — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, following a protest over insecurity that degenerated into violence, blockage of a major highway and destruction of property in the community last Friday.
The governor gave the assurance during a visit to the palace, a day after the incident.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by top government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police and key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s state chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), was taken round the palace to inspect vandalised property.
Describing the attack on the palace and the looting of property as criminal and unacceptable, the Governor stressed that protest, no matter how legitimate, must never be an excuse for violence and lawlessness.
“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years. Kidnapping is a serious problem across Nigeria, and that is why Mr President has taken bold steps, including withdrawing police from VIP duties, to strengthen the fight against insecurity”, the Governor stated.
He disclosed that a high-level security meeting was held earlier in the week with special focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis, noting that the state government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations across the state.
“We have carried out operations in Edo North and Edo South, and now we are in Edo Central. We will leave no stone unturned. The first operation was very successful—nine kidnapped persons in Etsako West were rescued unhurt and the kidnappers were arrested”, he added.
Governor Okpebholo warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be identified and prosecuted.
“They came under the guise of protest and sentiments, then resorted to looting and violence. This is unacceptable. We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience”, he declared.
Emphasising his personal commitment to peace and security in the area, the governor said Ekpoma and Esan land hold special significance for him.
“I am an Esan man, and Ekpoma gave me my highest votes. I will not allow bad things to happen in this land. In the coming days, our actions will speak for themselves. Nobody involved in this criminality will be spared”, he said.
Earlier, the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.
“What transpired was very sad. Many of them were under the influence of drugs. If not for God’s intervention, something worse would have happened”, the monarch said.
He explained that he initially attempted to address the protesters but was prevented from doing so, adding that they later returned while he was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace and unleashed violence.
Governor Okpebholo assured the traditional ruler and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent, stressing that peace, law and order would be fully restored in Ekpoma and across Edo Central Senatorial District.
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